Roosevelt High illuminated during second Art Crawl

Plan to attend Art Crawl III: Mosaic on May 29

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN

Roosevelt High School (RHS) students explored illumination through art this winter, and their projects were on display during an Art Crawl Feb. 27.

It was the second art crawl of the 2014-2015 school year.

“One of the things I love the most is the warm community feel of these events,” remarked RHS International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator Candida Gonzalez. “People are hanging out with their friends and making new friends, and this is all centered on an appreciation for the creative talents of our children.

“These nights are a fun way for community to come in and see what we are all about.

“What I hear from many community members is that they never realized before how wonderful the Roosevelt students are!” observed Roosevelt art teacher Jaci Smolund.

“It’s really nice to have an event that brings people together to celebrate the arts.”

Student artists

Along with art from Roosevelt students and staff, there were items from several other schools and organizations, including Folwell Performing Arts Magnet, courageous heARTS and In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre.

Ten of Smolund’s students from the IB Arts Class exhibited their best artworks. They prepared for the art show by interviewing each other during class and evaluating each other’s artist statements.

“It was really great to see community members talk to the students about their artist statements and pieces,” noted Smolund, who has taught in Minneapolis for 17 years.

She also loved seeing her nephew’s artwork on display. He’s a student at Keewaydin.

'“The elementary and middle schools in our neighborhood have really gotten into it, and have produced some fantastic pieces,” observed Gonzalez.

One standout piece for her was the collaborative art piece from Alex Berry’s 7th and 8th grade art classes at Folwell Arts Magnet.

“Roosevelt students are also really starting to own these events and put their own creative stamps on the night,” noted Gonzalez.

The canvas wasn’t limited to what students could hang up. Artists also played with light in the school. “When was the last time that you saw a school hallway lit up solely with holiday lights?” asked Gonzalez. “It was a unique, warm feeling.”

Mosaic unveiled

A massive mural in the RHS Arts Wing was unveiled during Art Crawl II.

“A big highlight was the unveiling of the Arts Wing mural, which was designed with artist Greta McLain and two of my drawing classes,” Smolund said.

The mural spans an entire hallway, and is a mix of paint on Polytab and mosaic.

Over 150 students worked on the piece under the direction of Greta McLain and Claudia Valentino, who also worked on the school’s front entry mural last spring.

Neighborhood restaurants and businesses donated items and services for the event. Among them were Rail Station, Parkway Pizza, Blue Door, Studio Emme, Keen Eye Coffee, Oxendale’s, Northbound Smokehouse, and Colossal Café. Additionally, the Standish Ericsson Neighborhood Association was a financial supporter.

Art Crawl III: Mosaic

The last art crawl of the 2014-2015 school year will be Art Crawl III: Mosaic on May 29. It will be the biggest art crawl of the year.

“We will be shutting down 40th St., putting stages out and bringing music, dancing and art activities for the whole family,” said Gonzalez. “We can’t wait!”

Anyone who would like to be involved in some way is encouraged to email Candida.gonzalez@mpls.k12.mn.us.

“We have a ton of talent and creativity in our community,” stated Gonzalez. “Come by Roosevelt and be a part of it!”